Jan. 3 trial date set for Jose Gonzalez, accused in 2017 death of FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo in the Bronx
NEW YORK -- The suspect accused of fatally running over an FDNY EMT with an ambulance back in 2017 will stand trial.
CBS2's Alice Gainer was inside the Bronx courtroom on Thursday and got reaction from the EMT's family.
Four months after being deemed unfit to stand trial, it was determined that Jose Gonzalez was no longer an incapacitated person.
Gonzalez said nothing in court and was handcuffed with his hands covered. A trial date of Jan. 3 was set.
"Every time I see him, and knowing that I have to breathe the same air as he is, it's sickening," said Ali Acevedo-Hernandez, the victim's aunt.
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Wearing badges bearing her photo, fellow FDNY EMTs and extended family of Yadira Arroyo sat in the courtroom.
"Conflicted emotions. I mean, it has been five and a half years waiting for this day," Acevedo-Hernandez said.
Police say on March 16, 2017 in the Bronx, Gonzalez was riding on the back of Arroyo's ambulance when he jumped off and took a backpack from a man. The victim flagged down Arroyo, who got out of the ambulance to speak with Gonzalez. That's when he allegedly jumped into the driver's seat and ran her over.
Toxicology tests for Gonzalez came back positive for PCP and marijuana.
"I still hear the transmissions to this day. In the back of my mind, I can still hear Monique crying for help on the radio," FDNY EMS dispatcher Jason Rosado said.
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Arroyo, called "Yaddi" by those who knew her, was a 14-year veteran of the FDNY and mother of five. Her brother later followed in her footsteps and became an EMT.
"She was an amazing person and this is too much, but there's hope now," said David Malave, the victim's uncle. "I'm hoping that he gets what he deserves and he doesn't deserve to be out on the streets for what he did. He took a valuable person from the city of New York with him and he destroyed a family."
The defense attorney for Gonzalez declined to comment after court.
Gonzalez is charged with murder, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, robbery, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence.